The primary concerns regarding anti-social behaviour in Accrington, a Built-Up Area (BUA) within Hyndburn, revolve around its elevated crime rate compared to the national average. With a population of 36,258, Accrington has a crime rate of 161.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This disparity directly impacts the perceived safety of the area.
The safety score for Accrington currently stands at 64 out of 100, again, below the UK average of 79. While a safety score isn't a direct measure of anti-social behaviour, it’s a strong indicator of residents' overall feelings of security and reflects the cumulative effect of various issues, including, but not limited to, anti-social behaviour.
It’s important to understand that ‘anti-social behaviour’ is a broad term. While the specific types of incidents contributing to this higher crime rate are not explicitly detailed in the available data, the elevated overall crime rate suggests concerns likely encompass a range of issues. These could include public order offences, minor theft, vandalism, and disturbances affecting the quality of life for residents. The higher crime rate is a key factor contributing to the lower safety score.
It’s also crucial to remember that crime rates are statistical averages and don't necessarily reflect the experiences of every individual within Accrington. However, the figures clearly indicate a need for focused attention and proactive measures to address the underlying causes of the elevated crime rate and improve the overall safety perception within the BUA. Further investigation into the types of crimes contributing to this rate would be beneficial to tailoring specific interventions.